“This is a new effort, as the expanded mission now goes beyond a strict MQ-9 replacement,” an AFLCMC spokesperson said. “This endeavor serves to explore concepts that address capability gaps of legacy platforms against increasingly sophisticated threats in denied, contested, and highly contested environments.”
By Theresa HitchensROC-X – The solution to organic precision strike capabilities
At AUSA Global Force 2024, IAI will present integrated, AI-driven combat systems – both manned and unmanned – that are opening new opportunities on the battlefield.
The new simulation environment will use ‘digital twins’ to rapidly test and iterate “collaborative autonomous networked technologies,” AFRL explains.
By Theresa Hitchens
CSIS’s Todd Harrison said he believes that the “many challenges” to the SHiELD concept can be overcome “with time and money” — and could well be worth expending because of the potential benefits.
By Theresa Hitchens
The Air Force is “driving toward” 2023 for initial operating capability for Skyborg, says AFRL Director Brig. Gen. Heather Pringle.
By Theresa Hitchens
Outgoing AF acquisition head Will Roper is rumored “to be in the mix” to take DoD acquisition czar Ellen Lord’s place, along with CSIS’s Andrew Hunter.
By Theresa Hitchens
“The Air Force has been quite open about the need to develop a new generation of weapons that are smaller and better suited for stealth aircraft operations,” says Mitchell Institute’s Mark Gunzinger.
By Theresa Hitchens
“Not sure if this is a black swan, but I would not be surprised if the next administration kicks off an internal review of the services’ roles and responsibilities, with an eye toward reducing excessive redundancy in force structure and capabilities,” Mark Gunzinger says
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A major overhaul is coming in software for missile warning
Space Systems Command’s FORGE program is the first, major missile-warning software modernization effort in 20 years.
“For flying an instrument approach, having an AI copilot makes sense,” says retired general ‘Hawk’ Carlisle, former head of Air Combat Command.
By Theresa Hitchens
“I would argue, that’s the tax. If you want airpower, if you want space power, then you have to be able to defend,” Lt. Gen. Joseph Guastella, Air Force deputy chief of staff for operations, told the Mitchell Institute today.
By Theresa Hitchens
“The business case is a naïve bet on out-year operating cost savings – that’s an act the Hill has seen before, and it never pays off,” independent analyst Rebecca Grant says of the Digital Century Series concept.
By Theresa Hitchens
“The C-130 has been the most plus-upped aircraft in history,” says Teal Group’s Richard Aboulafia.
By Theresa Hitchens
“With a flattening budget topline (at best) and many competing Air Force investment priorities, it’s not at all clear that this program will continue. We might just be left with a museum-ready prototype,” Teal Group’s Richard Aboulafia says.
By Theresa Hitchens
“All of the services are pursuing new long-range strike capabilities today, kind of like little kids chasing a soccer ball, and someone needs to ask which investments will maximize our nation’s long-range strike warfighting potential,” said Mitchell Institute’s Mark Gunzinger.
By Theresa Hitchens“This is a fundamental roles and missions question, and DoD needs to clearly designate a lead service and compel the other services to follow that lead,” says Todd Harrison, space and budget expert at the Center for Strategic and International Security.
By Theresa Hitchens
